The White House has condemned North Korea's artillery attack on South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island in the Yellow Sea.

In a statement released just four hours after the attack, the White House said the United States strongly condemns the attack and is calling on the North to halt its belligerent action.

The statement also said that the U.S. is closely cooperating with its ally, South Korea, urging the North to abide by the armistice that ended the Korean War.

The White House added that Washington is firmly committed to the defense of Seoul and to the maintenance of regional peace and stability.